[ LETTER ]

Gun Ownership

Published: Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 12:08 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 12:08 a.m.

In response to Debra Frances' letter regarding our Second Amendment rights ["Gun Owners' Defenses Don't Hold Up to the Facts About Shootings," Dec. 22], I would like to say that regardless of her sound argument, the actions of a very small minority do not trump the rights of the remaining majority. Time is very fluid and what justifies legislative action at an acute period in time may also be very damaging to our human rights in the long run.

Owning guns is a superficial characteristic to our fundamental right to self-defense. If not guns then it will be another item that will be conveniently targeted by the reactionary fringe.

Legislating limits to our ability as individuals to chose how to actively defend ourselves is tantamount to permanently restricting the other remaining constitutional bill of rights. Our bill of rights is scaffolded in such a way that makes them interdependent.

My message to my fellow citizens is: "Don't throw out the baby with the bath water." If we do not have the means to defend ourselves against tyranny whenever it raises its ugly head then our democratic republic is lost. Let's not be too naive to think that we will never suffer under tyrannical rule.

<p>In response to Debra Frances' letter regarding our Second Amendment rights ["Gun Owners' Defenses Don't Hold Up to the Facts About Shootings," Dec. 22], I would like to say that regardless of her sound argument, the actions of a very small minority do not trump the rights of the remaining majority. Time is very fluid and what justifies legislative action at an acute period in time may also be very damaging to our human rights in the long run.</p><p>Owning guns is a superficial characteristic to our fundamental right to self-defense. If not guns then it will be another item that will be conveniently targeted by the reactionary fringe.</p><p>Legislating limits to our ability as individuals to chose how to actively defend ourselves is tantamount to permanently restricting the other remaining constitutional bill of rights. Our bill of rights is scaffolded in such a way that makes them interdependent.</p><p>My message to my fellow citizens is: "Don't throw out the baby with the bath water." If we do not have the means to defend ourselves against tyranny whenever it raises its ugly head then our democratic republic is lost. Let's not be too naive to think that we will never suffer under tyrannical rule.</p><p>J.C. TORRES</p><p>Lakeland</p>